Injection Molded Adjustable Shape Abscess Irrigation Device

ABSTRACT

An adjustable shape abscess irrigation device includes a first tube that is slidably associated with a second tube. The irrigation device includes a retainer that defines a variable shape diameter. The diameter of the retainer is selectively adjustable by the relative positioning of the first tube and the second tube such that, once placed relative to an abscess, the shape of the device can be manipulated to allow desired drainage of irrigation and abscess fluids beyond the confines of the abscess. Upon adequate drainage of the abscess, the cross-section shape of the retainer can be reduced to facilitate more comfortable and less detrimental removal of the device from the patient. Preferably, the irrigation device is formed via one or multi-shot injection molding and is formed of more than material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of allowed U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/297,442 filed on Nov. 16, 2011 titled “InjectionMolded Adjustable Shape Abscess Irrigation Device” and the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an abscess irrigation device, and inparticular, to an injection molded abscess irrigation device that has anadjustable cross-sectional diameter and multiple fluid paths toeffectuate desired irrigation and/or drainage of an abscess so as toreduce patient trauma attributable to changing the irrigation deviceduring healing of the abscess.

Abscesses are localized infections of tissue marked by a collection ofpus that is commonly surrounded by inflamed tissue. Abscesses may befound in any area of the body, but most abscesses which require moreaggressive resolution are commonly found on the extremities, buttocks,breast, perirectal area, and/or associated with a hair follicleabnormality. Abscesses begin when a normal skin or tissue layer barrieris breached, and microorganisms and/or foreign matter or tissue invadeunderlying and/or adjacent tissues or tissue structures. Abscesses healby drainage or removal of the foreign materials as well as loosenedloculations within the abscess. Although smaller abscesses, in the rangeof smaller than approximately 5 mm in diameter or depth, can commonly beresolved with generally non-invasive methods, such as warm soaks topromote drainage, larger and/or deeper abscesses commonly require anincision, irrigation, and/or abridement to effectuate adequate drainageor irrigation of the abscess for healing of the surrounding tissue.Commonly, the increased inflammation, increased pus collection, and/orpartial or complete walling off of the abscess cavity diminish theeffectiveness of resolution via the conservative measures associatedwith warm soaks and/or the application of warm compresses.

As mentioned above, larger abscesses commonly appear on palpable skin.Deeper abscesses in very sensitive areas, such as supralevator,ischiorectal, perirectal positioned abscesses, commonly require ageneral anesthetic to obtain proper exposure of the abscess. Onceincised, the abscess is irrigated and commonly left open to facilitatedrainage. Alternatively, irrigation of the abscess can be effectuatedwith left-in-place irrigation devices. Commonly, such irrigation devicesare provided in a number of different fixed shapes and sizes. After thenecessary incision, a desired irrigation device is selected and placedin the abscess. The irrigation device is commonly held in place bysuturing a portion of the incision snuggly about a portion of theirrigation device such that a portion of the irrigation device heldwithin the void of the abscess by the surrounding anatomy of a patientand a second portion of the irrigation device extends beyond theepidermis of the patient for interaction with the various structuresassociated with irrigating the abscess.

Many such irrigation devices include a single fluid path thatfacilitates both the introduction of irrigation fluid into the abscessand the drainage of irrigated abscess fluid from the abscess. A fluidintroduction tool, such as a syringe, cannula, or the like, is commonlyconnected to that portion of the irrigation device that extends beyondthe patient. After the introduction of the irrigation fluid, the fluidintroduction tool is removed from the irrigation device and theirrigation fluid and fluid associated with formation the abscess isallowed to drain through the same fluid path used to introduce theirrigation fluid. Subsequent flushing operations present the potentialthat previously flushed abscess fluid left within the fluid path isreintroduced into the abscess during subsequent irrigation operations.Accordingly, there is a need for an abscess irrigation tool thatincludes separate irrigation and fluid discharge paths.

During healing of the abscess during the irrigation sequence, it iscommonly necessary to alter the position and/or shape of the irrigationdevice to allow better positioning of the irrigation device relative tothe shape of the abscess and the surrounding tissue as well as the depthof the abscess and the space that is available based on the previousirrigation process. It is commonly desired and/or required to replace afirst irrigation device with one or more subsequent irrigation device(s)that have different shapes and/or can better cooperate with the contoursof the partially irrigated abscess. Commonly, as the abscess isrepeatedly irrigated, the volume of the abscess shrinks therebynecessitating the use of sequentially smaller and/or irrigation deviceshaving different shapes. Unfortunately, each replacement of asequentially shaped irrigation device requires the repeated removal andreplacement of the sutures associated with maintaining a desiredpositioning of the respective irrigation device. Accordingly, there isalso a need for an abscess irrigation device whose size and position canbe manipulated without undue interference and/or repeated manipulationof the anatomical and/or physiologic structures surrounding the abscess.

A number of currently available abscess irrigation devices commonlyinclude a multiple part assembly that can include an adjustable spreaderand/or an expandable bladder used to fully expose interior structure ofthe abscess and to better agitate abscess loculations for removal of thesame. Unfortunately, such devices are not without further drawbacks. Themulti-component and material assemblies commonly require disassembly toallow adequate cleaning for subsequent patient usage of the device. Thevarious connection methodologies between the various connectablecomponents of such abscess drainage devices are susceptible to fatigueand/or over pressurization failure and can subject a patient toundesired trauma associated with removal from the abscess after suchseparation.

To mitigate such detriments, others have provided drainage devices withoversized constructions and/or oversized connection methodologies.Unfortunately, such devices commonly require larger the desiredincisions to facilitate cooperation of the drainage device with adjacentanatomy and are fairly uncomfortable for patient use. That is, when leftin place for extended drainage durations, the various connections mustbe supported by the patient and are susceptible to unintendedinteraction with clothes or incidental contact with other rigidstructures which can stress the sutures associated with maintaining thedesired position of the in vivo portion of the drainage device,Particularly depending on the location of the abscess, such incidentalcontact can result in unnecessary pain and/or discomfort during theentire duration associated with drainage of the abscess. Accordingly,there is a further need for an abscess drainage device having a compactconfiguration when no irrigation device is engaged therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved abscess irrigation device andmethod of forming the same that overcomes one or more of the drawbacksdiscussed above. The abscess irrigation device according to the presentinvention has an adjustable profile that provides improved drainage ofthe abscess and does so in a manner that is minimally invasive to apatient lifestyle when left engaged with an abscess for extendeddurations.

One aspect of the invention discloses an adjustable shape abscessirrigation device that includes a first tube that is slidably associatedwith a second tube. The irrigation device includes a retainer thatdefines a variable shape diameter. The diameter of the retainer isselectively adjustable by the relative positioning of the first tube andthe second tube such that, once placed relative to an abscess, the shapeof the device can be manipulated to allow desired drainage of irrigationand abscess fluids beyond the confines of the abscess. During drainageof the abscess, the cross-section shape of the retainer can be reducedor otherwise adjusted to facilitate an alternate orientation of thedrainage device relative to the patient and/or more comfortable and lessdetrimental removal of the device from the patient upon completedrainage of the abscess. Preferably, the irrigation device is formed viaone or multi-shot injection molding and is formed of more than material.

Another aspect of the invention discloses an abscess irrigation devicehaving a tube with an elongate shape that extends between a first endand a second end. A fluid path is formed through the tube along theelongate shape. A second tube or sleeve is movably supported by thefirst tube and has a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end. Aretainer is secured to the sleeve and the tube. The retainer includes atleast two arms that extend in an outward radial direction relative to alongitudinal axis of the tube. A degree of extension of the arms fromthe longitudinal axis of the tubes is adjustably defined by a positionof the sleeve relative to the tube.

Another aspect of the invention that is usable or combinable with one ormore of the aspects above discloses a method of forming an anatomicaldrainage tool. A first tube is positioned concentrically with respect toa second tube. The first tube and the second tube are connected via aliving hinge such that a relative positioning of the first tube and thesecond tube manipulates a radial diameter of the drainage tool viamovement of the living hinge.

Another aspect of the invention that is usable with one or more of theabove aspects discloses an abscess drainage tool having a first tube anda second tube that are slidably associated with one another. The toolincludes a first fluid path formed through the first tube. The firsttube and the second tube are connected by a retainer that has a variablediameter such that a relative orientation of the first tube and thesecond tube defines an instantaneous diameter of the retainer. A secondfluid path is formed at least one of between the first tube and thesecond tube and between the second tube and adjacent anatomy such thatfluid introduced into an abscess via one of the first fluid path and thesecond fluid path discharges from the abscess via the other of the firstfluid path and the second fluid path.

In a preferred aspect, each of the first tube, second tube, and retainerare formed by a thermoplastic injection process. One or more the firsttube, second tube, and retained may be formed during a single ormultiple shot injection projection.

Preferably, the retainer is formed of a more pliable or flexiblematerial than either of the first tube and the second tube. The firstand second tube may be formed of the same material or can be formed ofdifferent materials such that one of the first tube and the second tubeis more flexible than the other of the first tube and the second tube.

Preferably, the retainer includes a number of aims that extend in anoutward radial direction from a longitudinal axis of the first tube andthe second tube. Preferable, each flexible arm includes an intermediaryliving hinge. and a living hinge between the retainer and each of thefirst tube and the second tube. Preferably, a gap is formed between eacharm and adjacent arms. The orientation or shape of the retainer isadjusted by the relative position of the first tube and the second tube.The relative orientation of the first tube and the second tube can beadjusted by a slidable and/or rotatable association between the firsttube and the second tube.

Preferably, one or more of the first tube and the second tube includeone or more vents that are shaped to direct an irrigation fluid into theconfines of an abscess. Preferably, a first fluid path is used for theintroduction of the irrigation fluid into the abscess and a second fluidpath connected in series with the abscess and first fluid path is usedto dispel or discharge the abscess irrigation fluid, abscess fluid, andabscess loculations from the abscess.

These various aspects, features, and advantages may apply to only someembodiments falling within the claims and thus do not define the scopeof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view side elevation view of an abscessirrigation device that is formed by an injection molding process andwith a retainer in a first orientation according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of he abscess irrigation device shownin FIG. 1 with the retainer in a second orientation;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the abscess irrigation deviceshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the abscess irrigation device shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the abscess irrigation device shownin FIG. 1 configured for initial engagement with an abscess; and

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 with the abscess irrigation deviceconfigured for engagement with an abscess.

In describing the various preferred embodiments of the invention whichare illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is resorted to forthe sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention belimited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, thewords connected, secured, attached or terms similar thereto are oftenused. They are not limited to direct connection unless otherwisespecified but include connection through other elements where suchconnection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in theart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an injection molded abscess irrigation device 10according to the present invention includes a first tube 12, a secondtube or sleeve 14, and a retainer 16 that is connected to tube 12 andsleeve 14. First tube 12 includes an elongate body 18 that defines apassage 20 that between a first end 22 to a second end 24 (FIG. 3) oftube 12. Sleeve 14 also includes an elongate body 26 that defines apassage 28 that extends from a first end 30 to a second end 32 of body26. Body 18 of tube 12 extends along a longitudinal axis, indicated byline 34, and is formed of a somewhat flexible material such that body 18can be fairly easily deflected about axis 34 but is fairly rigid whensubjected to forces generally aligned with longitudinal axis 34 of body18. Body 26 of sleeve 14 also extends along a longitudinal axis,indicated by line 36, and is formed of a material that is preferablymore rigid than the material of body 18 of tube 12 but also somewhatflexible so as to tolerate deflection about axis 36. Tube 12 and sleeve14 are connected to one another by retainer 16 and configured so thatsleeve 14 is translatable along the longitudinal length of tube 12.

Retainer 16 is defined by a body 38 and includes a head portion 40 and adeformable portion 42 that are integrally connected to one another. Headportion 40 includes one or more vents 44, 46, 48 that extend throughbody 38 of retainer 16. Vents 44, 46 are oriented radially with respectto axis 34, 36 whereas vent 48 is oriented in a distal end 62 of headportion 40 and generally aligned along axis 34, 36. As explained furtherbelow, it is appreciated that head portion 40 of retainer 16 could beprovided with virtually any number and orientation of vents 44, 46, 48to facilitate a desired introduction of flushing fluid into an abscessintended to he irrigated. It is further appreciated that alternate headscould be provided to provide alternate orientations of vents 44, 46, 48to facilitate directional control of the introduction of flushing orirrigation fluid with respect to the particular geometry of a givenabscess.

Deformable portion 42 of retainer 16 includes a number of flexible arms50, 52, 54. 56 that each extend between head portion 40 and a collar 60that is associated with or otherwise connected to sleeve 14. Retainer 16is preferably constructed of a material that is more pliable and/orflexible than the material, of either tube 12 and/or sleeve 14. Each arm50, 52, 54, 56 includes a first or sleeve living hinge 64, a second ortube living hinge 66 and a third or intermediary living hinge 68. Eachintermediary hinge 68 is positioned along each of arms 50, 52, 54, 56 ata location that is between a sleeve hinge 64 and tube hinge 66. Each arm50, 52, 54, 56 includes a first portion 70 that extends between firsthinge 64 and intermediary hinge 68 and a second portion 72 that extendsbetween second hinge 66 and intermediary hinge 68. A gap 76 is definedbetween adjacent edges 78 of adjacent arms 50, 52, 54, 56. As explainedfurther below, gap 76 facilitates desired drainage of a respectiveabscess. It is further appreciated that although retainer 16 is shown ashaving four arms 50, 52, 54, and 56, retainer 16 could be provided withany number of flexible discrete arms that are movably associated withtube 12 and/or sleeve 14.

Arms 50, 52, 54, 56 are movable between a first orientation wherein arms50, 52, 54, 56 closely overlie tube 12 (as shown in FIG. 1) andalternate orientations (such as that shown in FIG. 2), wherein arms 50,52, 54, 50 stick out or extend in an outward radial direction relativeto axis 34. 36 of tube 12 and sleeve 14, respectively. As explainedfurther below, translation of sleeve 14, indicated by arrow 80, relativeto tube 12 manipulates the orientation of arms 50, 52, 54, 56 in inwardand outward radial directions relative to axis 34, 36 of tube 12 andsleeve 14 of abscess irrigation device 10 such that arms 50, 52, 54, 56manipulate the cross sectional footprint of abscess irrigation device10. It should be appreciated that the degree of longitudinal translationof sleeve 14 relative to tube 12 would define varying degrees ofextension of arms 50, 52, 54, and 56 from axis 34, 36 and that device 10thereby provides a retainer having an adjustable cross-sectionalprofile.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, end 24 of tube 12 includes a lip 84 thatpasses through deformable portion 42 and arms 50, 52, 54, 56 of retainer¹⁶ cooperates with a groove 86 (FIG. 4) formed on an interior surface 88of head portion 40 of retainer 16. Arms 50, 52, 54, 56 extendlongitudinally along and radially outboard along a portion of tube 12.Sleeve 14 includes a lip 90 that cooperates with collar 60 of retainer16. Although tube 12, sleeve 14, and retainer 16 are shown as threeseparate elements (FIG. 3), it is appreciated that abscess drainagedevice 10 can be formed as a singular structure wherein tube 12. sleeve14, and retainer 16 are inseparable from one another and yet movablyassociated as described further. It is further appreciated that one ormore of tube 12, sleeve 14, and retainer 16 can be formed by any numberof means including single or multiple step and single and/or multiplematerial injection molding processes.

As shown in FIG. 4, longitudinal translation of sleeve 14 relative totube 12 in an expansion direction, indicated by arrow 94, causes theoutward radial deflection, indicated by arrows 96, 98 of arm portions70, 72 of each arm 50. 52, 54, 56. It is appreciated that translation 94could be a truly linear translation along axis 34, 36 and/or include arotational component such that sleeve 14 rotates about tube 12 so as toeffectuate longitudinal translation 94. Regardless of the movementmethodology, movement of one of tube 12 and/or sleeve 14 relative to theother of tube 12 and/or sleeve 14, changes the instantaneous shapeand/or configuration of arms 50, 52, 54, and 56 of retainer 16 such thatthe shape of retainer 16, once positioned in vivo, can be manipulatedfrom a location external to the patient. Preferably, an indexing orother securing mechanism is provided and maintains a desired orientationof sleeve 14 relative to tube 12 and thereby the orientation of shape ofarms 50, 52, 54, 56 relative thereto. Such manipulation allows retainer16 to achieve a desired orientation and/or shape with respect to axis34, 36 and or the sidewalls associated with an abscess.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show alternate associations and orientations of abscessdrainage device 10 with an exemplary patient 102 and exemplary abscess100. Understandably, abscess 100 can be positioned virtually anywhererelative to the anatomy of a patient and have virtually any shape, size,and effective depth. Commonly, abscess 100 is internal to patient 102and internal to the patient dermis or skin tissue 104. Creation of anincision or opening 106 allows the introduction of abscess drainagedevice 10 into a volume or cavity 108 defined by abscess 100. Abscessirrigation device 10 is introduced into cavity 108 such that arms 50,52, 54, 56 can be positioned in cavity 108 and preferably slightlyinternal to skin tissue 104. It is appreciated that the location andorientation arms 50, 52, 54, and 56 may need to be periodically adjustedduring treatment of abscess. When a desired depth is achieved,translation of sleeve 14 relative to tube 12, either radially orlongitudinally, expands arms 50, 52, 54, 56 away from one another, awayfrom the longitudinal axis 34, 36 of device 10, and into engagement witha tissue or wall surface 110 of abscess 100. Arms 50, 52, 54, 56maintain a spatial relationship between abscess drainage device 10 andthe surrounding tissue and/or abscess opening 106.

Second end 22 of tube 12 is preferably constructed to cooperate with afluid delivery system, such as a syringe and/or a cannula, used tointroduce a suitable abscess flushing or irrigation fluid throughabscess drainage device 10 and into the cavity 108 associated withabscess 100. The irrigation fluid passes through passage 20 of tube 12and is discharged into cavity 108 of abscess 100 via vents 44, 46, 48.Passage 20 and one or more of openings 44, 46, 48 define a first fluidpath, indicated by arrow 112 for the exchange of fluid between cavity108 of abscess 100 and atmosphere and/or locations external to cavity108. it is appreciated that vents 44, 46, 48 can be constructed toprovide directional control of the introduction of the irrigation fluidinto cavity 108. Alternatively, head portion 40 of retainer 16 can havean external surface that is contoured to provide a direction componentto the introduction of the irrigation fluid into cavity 108 to provide adesired fluid flushing of abscess 100.

Pus, irrigation fluid, abscess fluid and/or loculations are directed outof abscess cavity 108 via a fluid path that is in series with the firstfluid path but only in fluid communication with the first fluid path 112via fluid communication with cavity 108 of abscess 100. A second fluidpath or abscess irrigation discharge path 114 can be formed betweenadjacent aims 50, 52, 54, and 56 and a separation 116 formed proximateincision opening 106 and the cooperation of the skin tissue 104 with theimmediately adjacent portion of sleeve 14. The expanded or spread shapeof arms 50, 52, 54, and 56 maintains a desired orientation of abscessirrigation device 10 relative to patient 102 but preferably maintainsseparation 116 therebetween such that irrigation fluid and abscess fluidand loculation material can be efficiently evacuated from abscess 100during the irrigation process.

Alternatively, and/or in cooperation with separation 116, sleeve 14 canbe maintained in an at least a partially spaced association with tube 12such that irrigation and abscess fluid can vacate cavity 108 via such aspaced association between sleeve 14 with tube 12. As graphically shownin FIG. 6, such a fluid path 118 allows fluid associated with cavity 108to pass between arms 50, 52, 54, and 56 and is directed between tube 12and sleeve 14 such that the fluid is dispelled from abscess 100proximate the relative location of end 30 of sleeve 14 over tube 12. Itis further appreciated the internal and external surfaces of tube 12and/or sleeve 14 can be fluted and/or provided with a helical shaped ribstructure such to maintain the spacing associated with the passage offluid from abscess 100 to atmosphere. It is further appreciated that thefluid flow directions associated with fluid paths 112, 114, 118 couldequally be reversed in a manner wherein fluid is introduced into abscess100 via one or more of paths 114, 118 and vacated therefrom via analternate path of fluid paths 112, 114, 118. It is further appreciatedthat, tube 12 could also include one or more vents similar to vents 44,46, 48 so as to provide irrigation performance along that portion oftube 12 that underlies arms 50, 52, 54, and 56 and/or sleeve 14.

Regardless of the irrigation flow direction, the adjustable variablediameter of retainer 16 as well as the externally adjustable nature ofthe cooperation of sleeve 14 and tube 12 allows retainer 16 to berepeatedly adjusted during the process of adequately draining orirrigating an abscess 100. The somewhat flexible nature of tube 12,sleeve 14, and retainer 16 allows abscess drainage device 10 to bepositioned relative to an abscess and movably adjusted relative theretowithout unduly interfering with patient lifestyle. That is, the reducedfootprint of device 10 which extends beyond abscess 100 and thesubstantially self-supporting interaction of device 10 and the anatomyproximate abscess 100 provides an abscess irrigation device that isfairly unobtrusive when left in place to allow prolonged drainage ofabscess 100 and can be quickly and conveniently reconfigured tomanipulate the irrigation performance associated with use of device 10until resolution of abscess 100 would dictate removal of the device fromthe patient.

Therefore, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, anadjustable shape abscess irrigation device is disclosed that includes afirst tube that is slidably associated with a second tube. Theirrigation device includes a retainer that defines a variable shapediameter. The diameter of the retainer is selectively adjustable by therelative positioning of the first tube and the second tube such that,once placed relative to an abscess, the shape of the device can bemanipulated to allow desired drainage of irrigation and abscess fluidsbeyond the confines of the abscess. Upon adequate drainage of theabscess, the cross-section shape of the retainer can be reduced tofacilitate more comfortable and less detrimental removal of the devicefrom the patient. Preferably, the irrigation device is formed via one ormulti-shot injection molding and is formed of more than material.

Another embodiment of the invention that is usable with one or more ofthe aspects of the above embodiment includes an abscess irrigationdevice having a tube with an elongate shape that extends between a firstend and a second end. A fluid path is formed through the tube along theelongate shape. A second tube or sleeve is movably supported by thefirst tube and has a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end. Aretainer is secured to the sleeve and the tube. The retainer includes atleast two arms that extend in an outward radial direction relative to alongitudinal axis of the tube. A degree of extension of the arms fromthe longitudinal axis of the tubes is adjustably defined by a positionof the sleeve relative to the tube.

Another embodiment of the invention that is usable or combinable withone or more of the aspects of the above embodiment includes a method offorming an anatomical drainage tool. A first tube is positionedconcentrically with respect to a second tube. The first tube and thesecond tube are connected via a living hinge such that a relativepositioning of the first tube and the second tube manipulates a radialdiameter of the drainage tool via movement of the living hinge.

Another embodiment of the invention that is usable with one or more ofthe aspects of the above embodiments includes an abscess drainage toolhaving a first tube and a second tube that are slidably associated withone another. The tool includes a first fluid path formed through thefirst tube. The first tube and the second tube are connected by aretainer that has a variable diameter such that a relative orientationof the first tube and the second tube defines an instantaneous diameterof the retainer. A second fluid path is formed at least one of betweenthe first tube and the second tube and between the second tube andadjacent anatomy such that fluid introduced into an abscess via one ofthe first fluid path and the second fluid path discharges from theabscess via the other of the first fluid path and the second fluid path.

It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited tothe embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modifiedforms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments andcombinations of elements of different embodiments as come within thescope of the following claims

I claim:
 1. A method of forming an anatomical drainage tool comprising:positioning a first tube concentrically with respect to a second tube;and connecting the first tube to the second tube with a living hingesuch that a relative positioning of the first tube to the second tubemanipulates a radial diameter of the drainage tool via movement of theliving hinge.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein manipulating the radialdiameter of the drainage tool is performed by at least one oflongitudinally translating and rotationally translating the second tuberelative to the first tube.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprisingforming the living hinge with a plurality of members that each extend indifferent radial directions from a longitudinal axis of the first tube.4. The method of claim 3 further comprising forming a vent in at leastone of the first tube the second tube, and the living hinge.
 5. Themethod of claim 4 further comprising forming the vent with a pluralityof openings and directing each opening in a different direction.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising forming the living hinge with amaterial that is more pliable than at least one of the first tube andthe second tube.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising injectionmolding the first tube, the second tube and the living hinge.
 8. Anabscess drainage tool comprising: a first tube and a second tubeslidably associated with one another; a first fluid path formed throughthe first tube; a retainer connecting the first tube to the second tube,the retainer having a variable diameter such that a relative orientationof the first tube and the second tube defines an instantaneous diameterof the retainer; and a second fluid path formed at least one of betweenthe first tube and the second tube and between the second tube andadjacent anatomy such that fluid introduced into an abscess via one ofthe first fluid path and the second fluid path discharges from theabscess via the other of the first fluid path and the second fluid path.9. The abscess drainage tool of claim 8 wherein the retainer furthercomprises as least one living hinge whose orientation is directlydependant on an orientation of the first tube relative to the secondtube.
 10. The abscess drainage tool of claim 9 wherein the orientationof the living hinge is determined by at least one of a radialorientation and a longitudinal orientation of the first tube relative tothe second tube.